It’s going to take something special to top your wedding day and few destinations can match the views and range of natural wonders found within the beautiful landscape of New Zealand. Celebrate your honeymoon in style by trying out fun and unforgettable encounters in unique locations that must be experienced to be believed!

Here are 5 awesome ideas to inspire your newlywed adventure!

Romantic scenic helicopter flights

To cap a magic day to remember, start your honeymoon adventure by heading for the heights to explore the unspoilt landscape of New Zealand’s glacier tips in style. Helicopter tours fly all-year-round in some of New Zealand’s most impressive spots with specialist packages to suit newlyweds.

Most operators accept bookings of up to six meaning you can invite the wedding party too if you’re looking to share your sky-high experience with friends and family before you enjoy time alone with your loved one.

Scale a giant glacier

How’s this for an ice breaker: feel what it’s like to follow in the footsteps of ancient explorers by hiking a gigantic glacier. Experts claim that the world’s most pristine ice caps can be found in the peaks of New Zealand with the likes of Franz Josef offering guided tours full of fun and adventure for couples and small groups.

Taking on a glacier hike with your partner is a true test of character and makes for an experience that offers unparalleled views and photo opportunities high above sea level. With all the warm and waterproof gear you need provided, the ice-cool temperatures around you will not stand in the way of a great day out.

Feel the G-force of a jet boat ride

A jet boat ride through the ancient narrow canyons and open riverbanks of New Zealand’s raw backcountry brings high-speed exhilaration and laughter. As a small group activity, jet boating puts wild honeymoon entertainment in a whole new dimension.

Several main operators in New Zealand run all-year-round tours for jet boat rides – some of which are not for the fain-hearted, so be aware! Agile speed boats manned by expert drivers can reach beyond 85mph on the circuit, whilst performing 360 degrees stunts to make a big splash on your celebratory trip. Don’t forget to smile for that end-of-show activity photo!

Be at one with nature on a guided walk

It’s not all high-impact in the remote backcountry of New Zealand as you and your partner will discover when you embark on one of the many nature walk routes open to the public – they say that to find true romance, go back to nature!

Knowledgeable guides turn every step into a story as they lead you on a journey of discovery through the stunning landscape of Queenstown and Fiordland. From majestic mountains and ice-capped valleys to shimmering lakes and lush rainforest, local New Zealand guides know all the best pathways to introduce you to the thousands of animal and plant species that remain otherwise untouched by mankind.

Popular routes include the Routeburn track, Lakeshore Forest and Hollyford Track, with overnight stays along the way if you prefer: whether it’s exploring snow-covered alpine terrain by snowshoe or tracking rare and endangered animals, each adventure hike offers a unique experience.

Get steamed up in a hot pool

After getting married and looking to wind down after the celebrations, rejuvenate by cosying up with your partner in a rainforest hot pool. New Zealand has its fair share of outdoor water holes that can be found in the most unlikely of places – Franz Josef Glacier's is a secluded haven open to the public for most of the year, although it doesn’t appear on all mainstream tourist guides.

To experience a blissful state of pure relaxation after making your way along Te Tai o Poutini, otherwise known as The West Coast, book a hot pool session and then indulge in the onsite spa and massage treatments!

This article was authored by NgÄi Tahu Tourism, based in New Zealand, with the help of guides and tour operators from Franz Josef Glacier Guides, Guided Walks NZ, and Shotover Jet. For more information about ideas for honeymoons and activities in hard-to-find habitats, NgÄi Tahu Tourism can help.

Want to know more? We give independent advice and plan destination weddings in New Zealand, specialising in the Wellington region. Contact us today

Your honeymoon should be the most memorable trip of your life and as perfect as possible. Choosing a honeymoon package can be a way to save you time, money and stress. After all, this is a holiday that is supposed to be about relaxing, enjoying each other and focusing on your future together.

Will it take you where you want to go?

This is not the time to compromise on location. Pick your dream destination and if you have different dreams, find a package that will allow you to combine them. For example, if your partner loves hiking and fine wine but you prefer coconut palms and cocktails combine a New Zealand honeymoon with some relaxing beach time on a South Pacific island.

All-inclusive package?

A true all-inclusive rate is exactly that. One fee should cover your accommodation plus all meals, unlimited drinks, entertainment, taxes and airport transfers. Some packages also include a list of activities and special honeymoon touches from flowers and champagne picnics to a private couples massage so it's worth comparing what's on offer. They are great for budgeting but you may sacrifice some flexibility.

Can it be customised?

Check whether there is any flexibility for choosing different elements. Many operators offer tailor made packages so get your imagination to work and think about what you really want rather than conform to what you think a honeymoon should be. Mix it up a little.

Are they listening to you?

Find a tour operator or travel agent you trust and who will spend time getting to know you and your travel style so they can suggest really personalised experiences. If you choose a New Zealand honeymoon and your partner is a fantasy film buff, arrange a tour to the Weta Studios in Wellington. Or, if they're a foodie, get help to plan a culinary adventure around the country's top restaurants and wineries.

What sort of activities are included?

More and more couples are looking for once-in-a-lifetime experiences that they can share together whether it's heli-hiking, a tandem bungee jump or a wine tasting class. Choose a package that offers you something new and truly memorable.

But also remember to leave yourselves some free time so you can not only relax and enjoy the place, but each other.

Choosing a wedding date is one of the first and most important decisions you'll make in planning the event. The best time of year really depends on what you want from your day but you can be sure that getting married in New Zealand will be the perfect celebration whatever time of year you choose.

Winter

Winter is often overlooked but it can be an enchanting season giving you the ability to create a wedding with a magical, romantic atmosphere. Venues are usually less busy, meaning they're more easily secured, without peak prices.

Imagine the setting at one of Wellington's charming country estates, cosy log fires, endless cocktails, creamy hot chocolates and fairy lights. It's a time of year that suits sumptuous, luxurious styles and a heart warming menu.

Spring

Spring is a lovely, vibrant time of year to get married in New Zealand. While temperatures still fluctuate, the hours of sunlight are increasing and the first flush of roses are utterly captivating.

Spring is the pefect season for getting married in a picturesque garden setting. With lush green growth and brightly coloured blooms, consider outdoor venues such as a park of New Zealand native bush and gentle waterfalls or the grounds of a country garden filled with cherry blossom.

Summer

The summer months are the most popular for getting married in New Zealand as December, January and February can usually be relied on for deliciously warm weather. Venues can book out well in advance.

For a real New Zealand summer celebration, consider a romantic beach, lake or riverside wedding. The long sunshine hours mean it's perfect for outdoor evening ceremonies. String up some magical outdoor lights for a twilight fantasy land and put New Zealand scallops and fresh strawberries and cream on the menu.

Autumn

A New Zealand autumn day can often be relied upon for a clear bluebird sky with just a touch of winter's crispness in the air. Imagine walking up the path of one of Wellington's idyllic historic country churches amongst a backdrop of autumn's stunning natural colours.

Adopt the season's beautiful red and golden hues, the tulips and hydrangeas, the late peaches, fat grapes and freshly harvested apples in your styling and menu choices.

New Zealand offers so many different options for your honeymoon. Here are just five suggestions on where to go.

Beautiful Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is a maritime adventure playground full of island sanctuaries perfect for romantic picnics. It comes with a sub-tropical climate, a relaxed vibe and the charming townships of Opua, Russell, Paihia and Kerikeri to explore.

You could just relax on the beautiful beaches, champagne in hand but there's also plenty to see and do. The snorkelling and diving are world class. Visit the giant Kauri trees or take a cruise through the famous Hole in the Rock.

Romantic Rotorua

Rotorua's intimate surroundings of forest and thermal wonderland are a perfect honeymoon haven. Savour the peace and privacy of the bush clad hills and tranquil lakes. For the ultimate indulgence, stay in one of the secluded luxury lodges with lakeside views and limited guests.

You can be as relaxed or adventurous as you wish. Use mountain bikes, kayaks or jet skis to explore the idyllic surroundings. Enjoy a choice of unique Maori cultural activities or treat your beloved to a romantic geothermal spa and massage.

Serene Marlborough Sounds

The stunning Marlborough Sounds are a relaxed gem of a destination, tailor made for wine lovers and nature encounters and consistently sharing New Zealand's highest sunshine hours.

There is a wide range of accommodation to choose from whether you want a rustic hideaway or 5 star luxury.

Enjoy seafood fresh-off-the-boat. If honeymooners can drag themselves away from the hammock-for-two, the standout attractions include wine tasting tours and a cruise through the magical Sounds, watching the dolphins and visiting an island bird sanctuary.

Wonderful Wanaka

The lake and mountains are an insanely romantic backdrop. Wanaka has as much outdoor fun going for it as Queenstown but without the crowds. World class lodges offer a romantic combination of splendid isolation and modern luxury.

Every alpine adventure you could dream of on your doorstep, from skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking, kayaking, stunning short walks and multi day hikes.

A South Island Road Trip

Whether your ideal honeymoon dream involves heli hiking on a glacier, getting close up with New Zealand wildlife or a spa tub for two overlooking a vineyard, a road trip gives you the chance to experience it all and enjoy a real taste of New Zealand.

Follow a food or wine trail, or arts and crafts. Hike your hearts out on the famous Abel Tasman or Milford Sound tracks. Go whale watching at Kaikoura, call in to one of the world class golf courses around Queenstown or take a private tour of an award-winning winery.

You want a wedding to remember, the wedding of your dreams. You want picture postcard scenery, tables laden with a mouth-watering banquet, glasses overflowing with the world's best wines. You want to feel special, pampered and you want to experience something new and exciting. You want a New Zealand wedding.

Stunning settings

New Zealand scenery is major eye candy. You'll get a unique and beautiful backdrop for your wedding from breathtaking beaches to wild, rugged mountains. From Wellington, you can get a magical helicopter ride to find amazing views across to Kapiti Island, as depicted in the image above.

The very best food and wine

Fresh, delicious and world class. We are proud of our produce in New Zealand and if the way to your lover's heart is through their stomach, a New Zealand wedding will bring you closer together than ever. Treat yourselves to the unbelievably fresh seafood and be spoilt by our sought after lamb and beef, not to mention the lovingly crafted specialty cheeses and award winning wines.

Adventurous spirit

New Zealand is the perfect place to get closer to your partner through sharing unforgettable experiences. Go skydiving with all that stunning coastal scenery laid out below you. Try hot air ballooning as the sun rises over the vineyards. Take a heli-trip high into the snow capped mountains. Or find one of the many deserted beaches and take a walk at dusk, just the two of you and the sunset streaking across the water.

Diverse venues and accommodation options

From romantic country churches to the marae at the National Museum of Te Papa, eco-chic bed and breakfast accommodation to luxury hideaways of pure romance, Wellington offers every imagineable wedding venue and accommodation option to match your dreams. Whether you're seeking rustic intimacy or opulent grandeur, the perfect place to create your memories is here.

Warm hospitality

A warm welcome awaits you. From Cape Reinga in the north to Stewart Island in the south, you'll appreciate the genuine friendliness of New Zealanders. We are counted among the happiest people in the world - for very good reasons. And we love nothing better than to share our beautiful country and help make your wedding experience as exciting, magical and memorable as you want it to be.

Want to know more? We plan dream weddings in New Zealand and the Wellington area. Contact us today >

With more demands on our time in our ordinary life, a professional wedding planner is an essential element of a successful wedding. Local knowledge and experience in identifying the best photographer, florist and caterer for your wedding saves you time and money: knowing the right questions to ask to ensure you get exactly what you want, to suit your style and within your budget.

As busy people you don’t have the time to gather information and compare all the options.

A wedding planner doesn't make decisions for you, but ensures you to make informed decisions and that all the little details have been considered.

In your planning you will come across vendors who will offer to coordinate your wedding for you, for example your venue might offer to organise the catering, photographers and florist. The selection you will be offered is often very limited and almost certainly the unique style you would like to create for your wedding won’t have been taken into consideration.

Pure NZ Weddings source a range of vendors for each aspect of your big day. As weddings are as individual as the people getting married, Pure NZ Weddings is able to source and recommend vendors to specifically meet your individual style and budget. They are people who are trusted and well respected within their industry and the recommendations will be based on exactly what you want. But you make the decisions: your wedding, your way.

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